Page #2 : Fundamental Footwork Patterns [FFP]

Inside switch Outside (IswO)

The videos below showcase 6 progressive exercises of a fundamental footwork pattern (FFP) called an Inside switch Outside (IswO) that we expect all TST players to eventually be able to do (The exercises are not easy, so players need to work at them regularly to get comfortable with them).

A brief description of an IswO.
  • An Inside switch Outside is a great way to move the ball from one side of the body to the other side very quickly.
  • Use an inside (big toe) touch initially, then follow this immediately with an outside (little toe) touch (of the other foot (hence switch)) that gets the ball out to the 'space'* on the other side of the body. 
  • *Remember footwork [and the game for that matter] is about 'space' not moves.
 

    

    

 

The notes below are generic and appear on every page : Why?

Because understanding how to get the most out of practice is essential if the goal is to accelerate development.

 

 

Accelerate Development

 
Players who are keen to accelerate their development should work through these exercises to advance their ability to move the ball efficiently and effectively around their feet and from one space to a different space.
 
So players should use these exercises as a technical test in the same way.
 
The progression within every level would be :
  • 1st - Get smooth
  • 2nd - Get fast
  • 3rd - Get the head up.

 

If these exercises are too hard then :
  • Use the online resource to start at an easier level and build up the level unti the exercises can be done smoothly.
If  these exercises is too easy then :
  • Can you do it as quickly as you can hop?  [Speed]
  • Can you do it without looking down at the ball? [Head up]
Advanced Ball Mastery Exercises
There are also more advanced ball mastery exercises in the resource that all good players should find easy (even at speed and with the head up). 
If these exercises are a technical challenge (ie : you can't do 15 seconds non-stop without a mistake) then there's still lots of work to do.
 
And NOTE : Technical development is simply a function of time. In simple terms everyone needs to put in the same amount of time (assuming the quality of practice* is the same) to get to the same technical level. However, the players who do the work in a 2 year period, will always be better than players who spread it over a 10 year period.
  • Most talented players do the hours early. 
  • Most players who appear to be behind, simply have not done the hours yet.
So development comes down to 
  • (1) A players' desire to get to the level they want, and 
  • (2) how well players back this up with the necessary minutes/ hours of practice.
And always remember that 5 minutes a day extra practice is infinitely better than no practice. And 5 minutes practice a day will add up over time, and becomes especially important when you factor in the fact improvement returns get compounded.
 
TST hopes to ensure the 'quality of practice' is as high as it can be and hope to inspire players to do just that little bit more.
If these exercises are too hard then :
  • Use the online resource to start at an easier level and build up the level unti the exercises can be done smoothly.

 

If  these exercises is too easy then :
  • Can you do it as quickly as you can hop?  [Speed]
  • Can you do it without looking down at the ball? [Head up]
Advanced Ball Mastery Exercises
There are also more advanced ball mastery exercises in the resource that all good players should find easy (even at speed and with the head up). 
If these exercises are a technical challenge (ie : you can't do 15 seconds non-stop without a mistake) then there's still lots of work to do.
 
And NOTE : Technical development is simply a function of time. In simple terms everyone needs to put in the same amount of time (assuming the quality of practice* is the same) to get to the same technical level. However, the players who do the work in a 2 year period, will always be better than players who spread it over a 10 year period.
  • Most talented players do the hours early. 
  • Most players who appear to be behind, simply have not done the hours yet.
So development comes down to 
  • (1) A players' desire to get to the level they want, and 
  • (2) how well players back this up with the necessary minutes/ hours of practice.
And always remember that 5 minutes a day extra practice is infinitely better than no practice. And 5 minutes practice a day will add up over time, and becomes especially important when you factor in the fact improvement returns get compounded.
 
TST hopes to ensure the 'quality of practice' is as high as it can be and hope to inspire players to do just that little bit more.